10 Steps to Finding Your Happy Place (and Staying There) is a program to help us develop habits to grow a joyful spirit. Many of us sabotage our happiness by habits that we might not even be aware of. Identifying and changing these habits can build a reservoir of well-being to enhance our happy times and sustain us during challenging times.

Monday, August 20, 2012

Praying Without Ceasing

When asked in an interview when he meditated, the person responded, “I am never not meditating.” Unfortunately, I can’t remember who was being interviewed (Can someone help me out?), but the statement “I am never not meditating” stuck with me. I wondered what that meant, never not meditating. Did it mean that he sat on his cushion all day, candles lit, eyes lowered, softly chanting or silent, perfectly still, finding nourishment in the air itself, ever and always serene?

Well, I’m sorry, but I have children and grandchildren to care for, friends to see, a blog to write, bills to pay, and if I don’t eat regularly, I get headachy and cranky. Sitting on a cushion all day is fine for some folks, but it won’t work for me.

Left a comment at TheBridgeMaker for you, my friend.Just to add: Songs of praise run through my mind more often than not. I count these as prayers and in being at one and at peace with the Lord. It never ceases to amaze me how much better my day unfolds when His praise is ever on my lips.Blessings to you!

Not having a lot of detail regarding who this is or the entire interview... what he might have been trying to convey is he is never without thanks.

What I mean by this ... as I travel, I am in constant awe of this world. The connection we all have. From the air we all breathe to the water, the reason for trees and mountains and all the flora and fauna ... amazing eco system... and I am always aware ... always.

Perhaps that's what he meant... constant awareness and deep thought as to this never ending amazing universe.

I can not imagine anyone sitting on a cushion all day long meditating and chanting and ringing a little bell... they have to eat and pee at some point.

Carolyn, I think you are right on target. Someone who commented on the rest of the post at Alex's blog mentioned never without gratitude. I love that. And what you added--never without awe. Thanks for your comment.

To me, it means to make your everyday actions a prayer. You make your every action an act of prayer. I wish I could say that in the morning I made a statement offering all up as a prayer, but I don't. What I find myself saying often is: "thank you," "Help me make it." Words of prayer are always with me.

If words of prayer are always with you, then that is praying without ceasing! Anne Lamott said that the two most important prayers are "help me" and "thank you." Sounds like you have that covered. Thanks for commenting.

I seem to mess up when commenting, so I hope this is not a duplicate!I see that as making your whole day an act of prayer. I wish I could say that I consciously dedicate my day as a prayer, but my day is full of words of prayer... Thank you, help me.

I published your second comment to remind everyone that I have comment moderation. This means that when you hit publish, you won't see your comment right away. It is held until I see it. I did this because I was getting some spam comments. Thanks for mentioning this.

I responded on the Bridgemaker blogsite. You did an amazing job on this one..... so true - all day long pray, staying aligned with our GOD and knowing that living in the present is truly the gift of life.

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About Me

I am a Southern girl transplanted to the Pacific Northwest. I have 5 kids, 2 grandchildren, 6 birds, and a dog.
My new blog, No Way Cafe, is about how the principle of wu wei, or non-action, can manifest in our lives, bringing peace and joy to our spirits. This blog is inspired from many sources, including the Tao Te Ching and my martial arts practice.
My first blog was about 10 habits that transformed my life from one grounded in fear to one grounded in joy. I no longer add new material to this blog but it's still online.
Galen Pearl is my pen name.